Debates of May 16, 2007 (day 8)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that Bill 15, Liquor Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill provides for the regulation of liquor in the Northwest Territories. The Liquor Licensing Board is given authority to issue licences and permits, and is assigned responsibility for the regulation of licence holders and permit holders, and the operations of licensed premises and manufacturing facilities. The Liquor Commission is assigned responsibility for the importation into and distribution of liquor within the Northwest Territories, and the Minister is given the authority to designate and enter into agreements with vendors for the operation of liquor stores.

Communities may, by plebiscite, approve the establishment replacement, modification or cancellation of liquor restriction or prohibition systems. Communities may also, by plebiscite, authorize the Liquor Licensing Board to issue licences, or require the board to close licensed premises. A municipal council may make bylaws regulating certain aspects of the operation of licensed premises.

The bill establishes penalties for contraventions of the act and the regulations made under the act, and provides for an enforcement regime. The existing Liquor Act is repealed and transitional matters are provided for. Consequential amendments are made to the Financial Administration Act, the Motor Vehicles Act and the Revolving Funds Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Question.

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried